Microsoft Chairman and Chief software Architect Bill Gates announced in northern province Bac Ninh of Vietnam on April 22 a project to help build community technology centres (CTC) in 64 provinces of Vietnam.

Vietnam ’s Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem and Minister of Post and Telematics Do Trung Ta were present at the announcement ceremony.

The project, named TOPIC 64 or "Training Online Programme on Information Technology for Communities – 64 provinces", is undertaken and executed by the Centre for Research and Consulting on Management (CFC). It is also part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP) programme, aimed at broadening digital inclusion and developing human sources all over the world.

TOPIC 64 is jointly funded by Microsoft, the US Agency for International Development (USAID),QUALCOMM, and EVN Telecom.

Under the TOPIC 64, CTCs in 64 provinces of Vietnam will be equipped with software-installed computers with Internet connection, localized UP curriculum in Vietnamese, and UP training programmes.

Microsoft will cooperate with EVN Telecom to provide service for installation and maintenance of wireless CDMA450 Internet-linked systems and free-use of the Internet for a year. Trainers at the CTCs will also have opportunities to participate in advanced IT training courses.

In addition, Microsoft will also provide localized UP curriculum in Vietnamese to an additional 440 nationwide training centres across the country.

The same day, Microsoft introduced OneClick programme, which is formed in partnership with Vietnam Data-communication company (VDC) and hardware supplier CMS (Computer Manufacturing and Service Company). The programme provides the average income Vietnamese people the opportunity to own their first personal computers with installed hardware, Windows software and Internet connection.